Fields of Study

Aviation

Embry-Riddle Advantage

Pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, aeronautics professionals, unmanned aircraft operators — all essential positions as the world continues to connect through the miracle of flight.

Since its beginning in 1926, Embry-Riddle has been providing the world with aviation personnel, one student at a time. A pioneer in aviation education, Embry-Riddle continues to be the most highly regarded institution dedicated to the field. It is the nation’s largest, oldest, and most comprehensive aeronautical university. When you enroll in an aviation-related degree program here, you can be assured that you will study within a curriculum that is at the forefront of the industry’s developments and demands for the future. Embry-Riddle sets the standards for aviation education, is involved with the formulation of national and international policy related to aviation, and remains the nexus of aviation education.

Flight students begin their one-on-one training within their first few days as a student. A professional demeanor is demanded from the moment they climb into their “classroom in the sky.” Air traffic management students display optimum precision and professionalism and excel in the required post-graduation training provided at the FAA Academy. Every student in an aviation curriculum benefits from hands-on learning in new, expertly maintained aircraft equipped with glass cockpits, labs that replicate the nation’s airspace, state-of-the-art maintenance and avionics repair facilities, and unrivaled aviation simulation centers.

Students who want the best in aviation education choose the world’s best Aviation and Aerospace University.

Degrees & Programs

The passion is palpable. You’ll study amid fellow students and faculty who share your affinity for aviation, despite divergent goals. You will be among your peers in an atmosphere that fosters success.

Regardless of which aspect of flight you’re most interested in, Embry-Riddle offers a degree for you. Our diverse programs span associates through doctorate, and are offered in a range of learning environments from on-site at one of two residential campuses, in classrooms near you, and even online. Embry-Riddle provides programs to accommodate full-time students, working professionals, and military personnel.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment categories in support of air transportation are expected to grow by 25 percent through 2022. Over the next decade, 85 percent of U.S. air traffic controllers will be eligible for retirement, meaning there will be approximately 14,000 open positions. Increasing global security threats require additional personnel in aviation security. And as unmanned aviation expands, demand for professionals will be on the rise. It’s clear that opportunities abound in the flight industry.

As the number of daily flights throughout the world increases, the need for educated and trained personnel expands in every facet of aviation. This is a growth sector in an age when many sectors of the world’s economies are shrinking or shifting. Civilization has become mobile and there is no expectation for that to decrease.

A degree is an essential stepping-stone to reach your aviation-related career goals. As the university of aviation/aerospace, Embry-Riddle is positioned to connect you to its network of leading corporate aviation companies, as well as to the major and regional air carriers throughout the world. It is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 Embry-Riddle alumni working globally who recognize the value you will bring having earned your education from ERAU.

85% of U.S. air traffic controllers will be eligible for retirement in the next decade.

That's about 14,000 open positions!

Spotlights

Research

Faculty and students at our Daytona Beach, Florida, Prescott, Arizona, and Worldwide Campuses are continually involved in aviation-related research, with positive impact reaching far and wide.

Featured Projects

This unfunded research seeks to gather data related to hazards reported to management by employees at a select location in Queensland Australia. Data related to behavioral observations is being collected and analysis of this data will provide management focus and direction to their safety processes. Ultimately modification of the hazard identification and reporting system will likely occur to target significant opportunities for injury reduction.

In collaboration with Dassault, a leading business jet manufacturer, Embry-Riddle is exploring the aircraft of the future. In particular, work is under way to improve the range and performance of existing airplanes by the addition of winglets, those folded wingtips seen in many aircraft these days. Current study focuses on the optimization of shape for better aerodynamic performance and on the exploration of the winglet impact on other aspects of flight such as stability and low speed flight.

With colleagues from other academic institutions this project was undertaken to analyze various pilot supply issues and their impact on the airline industry. The research relies on quantitative data supplied by various databases as well as information provided by the FAA. The research forecasts the impact of pilot shortage and the long and short term affects on commercial airlines, the pilot community and market growth.

Learning Environments

Its state-of-the-art labs, most advanced flight training devices available, an unparalleled fleet of aircraft, and renowned faculty leading the way, demonstrate Embry-Riddle’s commitment to providing unmatched aviation facilities to support your academic experience.

Daytona Beach students have access to a number of noteworthy facilities. The campus is home to the country’s only Unmanned Aircraft Lab, used to examine ways to optimize airspace for both manned and unmanned craft. Air Traffic Control students can hone their skills in labs that emulate the En Route, Terminal Radar, and Control Tower domains. Aviation Maintenance students learn through direct training in eight dedicated labs that correspond with the Airframe and Powerplant program. Students also have access to a state-of-the-art Weather Research Center, a Media Broadcasting Lab, and an expanding Aircraft Accident Forensics Lab, known as the Crash Lab. As future pilots, Aeronautical Science students train using industry-standard flight simulators and aircraft.

In addition to its own state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control (ATC) Lab, the Prescott Campus offers aviation students an advanced Weather Center and Meteorology Suite, advanced flight training devices, and the most extensive and expansive Accident Investigation Lab anywhere outside of that belonging to the National Transportation Safety Board. This Crash Lab, known as the Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab, is the only scenario-based investigation facility for student education at any university. In addition, Prescott’s Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication Building (AXFAB) gives students the instruction, resources, and equipment needed to fabricate and assemble projects.

Both the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses boast an impressive fleet of aircraft that includes Cessna 172 Skyhawks, Piper Arrows, Diamond DA42 L-360s, and American Champion Super Decathlon 8KCAB models, to name a few. Students use some of the most advanced flight training devices such as the FAA Level D CRJ full-motion, full-flight simulator as they prepare for flight careers. The Prescott Campus has access to Robinson helicopters, including R-22, R-44, R-66, and Bell 206 models, for those who aspire to command rotary-wing aircraft.

Embry-Riddle Worldwide operates more than 150 campus locations worldwide and delivers a quality academic experience with world-class faculty educators with hands-on industry experience in our three academic colleges and our Online Campus. Flexible scheduling and locations close to home are specifically suited for busy working professionals, active-duty military and veterans, and students with families. EagleVision, a virtual classroom, combines the power of web video conferencing and learning management system software to maximize the benefits of synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning environments. One such example is the Virtual Crash Lab. Within this environment, students will be able to examine the aircraft accident scene, document evidence, and even interview survivors. This lab will enhance the learning environment for several of our safety courses.